Kiraz has Reynolds’ backing to make Blues spot his own
George Clarke |
Canterbury favourite Josh Reynolds has described Jacob Kiraz as the “form winger” of the NRL as the Bulldogs star bids to prove to NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley he warrants a maiden Blues call-up.
Kiraz is one of several wingers fighting to make an impression on Daley in round 11, with the Blues coach set to name his team for the May 28 series opener in Brisbane on Monday.
The Bulldogs winger has scored four tries in five games this season to leave Canterbury in first spot on the ladder ahead of Friday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium.
Reynolds said Kiraz, whose only representative experience has been with the Lebanon national side, would not be overwhelmed by a potential Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium.
“Seeing his try on the weekend (against Canberra), how he tip-toed down the sideline … he’s definitely the in-form winger in the game,” Reynolds said.
“You can’t go against that and knowing Kiraz and the type of player he is, he wouldn’t be overawed by the arena.
“He’ll get there eventually, whether it’s this year or the next few years, he’s the ultimate competitor.
“Loz (Daley) speaks about doing the little things right and that’s Kiraz to a tee.”
Kiraz’s availability will hinge on the fitness of incumbent duo Zac Lomax and Brian To’o.
While Panthers winger To’o is on a bye after being plagued by hamstring issues, Lomax has one shot to convince Daley of his credentials when Parramatta face Newcastle on Friday after a six-week lay-off.
The fact Kiraz is even being spoken of as an Origin-calibre player makes Reynolds proud.
The former NSW playmaker played with the 23-year-old Kiraz towards the back end of his career which came full circle with a swansong at the Bulldogs.
Kiraz also returned to Belmore in 2023 after failing to make the grade at several other NRL clubs before going on to become one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable players.
“It’s a pretty cool story, there’s a photo that floats around when I was playing first grade and he was really young,” Reynolds said.
“So it was cool to play with him and I’ll always remember that.
“I know he uses that he didn’t get in at Newcastle or with the Cowboys, but he uses that now.
“Now he probably plays with a bit of a smirk now, saying, ‘you stuffed up’.
“That’s always good as a player, some people believe in you and some don’t.”
AAP
